Weather conditions deteriorated over Puerto Rico during the afternoon of November 7th thru November 9th as a cold front passed through the island. The precipitation along the North, Central, and Eastern parts of the island ( Figures 1 & 2 ) resulted in extensive flooding from Camuy to Fajardo. Damages were reported to water supply systems, highways, bridges, schools, homes, and businesses due to flooding and landslides. Damages to agriculture were also reported in both the Central and Coastal zones of the island. More than 300 persons were moved to shelters. No deaths were reported.
The highest 48-hour rainfall accumulation were recorded at Rio Piedras - 16.56 in, Naguabo - 16.07 in, Morovis - 14.26 in, Barranquitas - 14.10 in, Bayamon - 13.52 in, Canovanas - 12.63 in, and Orocovis - 12.60 in ( Tables 1-4 ). Comparison with TP-42 charts indicate the 48-hour rainfall exceeded the 50-year return period around the vicinity of Morovis, Corozal, Barranquitas, and Orocovis as well as in the vicinity of Guaynabo and San Juan.
Moderate to extreme river rises were observed during the event. The majority of the highest rises occured along the northern and eastern interior parts of the island as shown in Table 5. Gaged sites that exceeded 15 feet rise were:
Rio Grande de Loiza below Damsite - 23 feet
Rio Grande de Manati at Hwy 2 near Manati - 23 feet
Rio Cibuco below Corozal - 20 feet
Rio de La Plata at Hwy 2 at Toa Alta - 20 feet
Rio Gurabo at Gurabo - 18 feet
Rio Caguitas at Villa Blanca at Caguas - 16 feet
Rio de Bayamon near Bayamon - 15 feet
24 hours Preliminary Precipitation across Puerto Rico ending 8am Nov 8
24 hours Preliminary Precipitation across Puerto Rico ending 8am Nov 9
48-hour Rainfall Totals across Puerto Rico ending 7am Nov 9
Gage Storm Total Precipitation across Puerto Rico NOV 7-9, 2001
24 hours Gage Readings across Puerto Rico ending 7am Nov 9
Table of Rainfall Values
